Motorcycles in San Luis Potosí must use lights and reflectors under new law

Motorcycle and moped riders in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, will soon face new regulations requiring them to keep their lights on and use reflective elements at all times. The State Congress approved reforms to Article 72 of the Traffic Law, aiming to significantly improve rider visibility and safety on the roads.

Historically, some motorcycles allowed manual control of headlights to conserve bulb life, particularly with older halogen technology. However, evolving safety standards and manufacturer practices led to automatic daytime running lights, including LED DRLs, on most modern bikes. This transition, which largely occurred in the 1990s and 2000s, aimed to make motorcycles more visible to other vehicles.

The new legislation in San Luis Potosí goes a step further. Beyond mandatory headlights, riders must now incorporate luminous or reflective accessories. These can include reflective vests, bands, or tapes on helmets and motorcycles, as well as additional reflectors on the vehicle's sides or rear. Safety lights, provided they comply with traffic regulations and are not mistaken for emergency vehicle lights, are also permitted.

The reform was approved on April 20, 2026, but it will only become enforceable once the decree is officially published in the State Official Gazette. The exact penalties for non-compliance are not yet specified and will likely depend on municipal traffic regulations. However, the state-level legislation mandates the use of lights and reflective elements, marking a significant step towards enhancing road safety for motorcyclists in the region.